Fortress in Copenhagen
Kastellet is a 17th-century star-shaped fortress on the Copenhagen waterfront, still an active military base but open to the public. Free. The ramparts, the moat, the windmill, and the tree-lined paths form one of the most peaceful walks in the city. The Little Mermaid statue sits just outside the northern gate. Budget travelers walk the ramparts, visit the mermaid, and continue along the harbor promenade without spending anything.
Practical
On foot
Free and low-cost routes that stop at Kastellet.
The Copenhagen Harbor to Little Mermaid Walk is a self-guided waterfront route from Nyhavn to the Little Mermaid statue. Free. The route passes the Royal Opera House, Amalienborg Palace, and Kastellet fortress before arriving at the harbor edge in 1.5 to 2 hours.
The Copenhagen Grand Free Tour starts at the City Hall Steps and covers Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, and Nyhavn harbor in 2.5 hours. Running for over 12 years, it is one of the most established free tours in Scandinavia.
Nearby
Other places worth the walk, and what each one costs.
Amalienborg is the winter residence of the Danish royal family, four identical rococo palaces arranged around an octagonal courtyard with a statue of Frederick V at its center. Free to see from outside.
Assistens Cemetery in Norrebro is where Hans Christian Andersen, Soren Kierkegaard, and Niels Bohr are buried. Free.
Christiania is a self-governing community occupying a former military base in Christianshavn, established by squatters in 1971. Free to enter.
Christiansborg Palace on the island of Slotsholmen is the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister's office. The tower is free to visit and offers the highest viewpoint in Copenhagen.
The Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke) in Christianshavn has a famous external spiral staircase winding around the outside of the spire, offering the best panoramic view of Copenhagen from 90 meters up. Entry to the church is free.
Copenhagen's historic fish market waterfront along the canal, now a picturesque row of colorful townhouses. Free to stroll, it connects Christiansborg with the pedestrian shopping streets and offers some of the best canal views in the city center.
Working out what Copenhagen costs?
The whole of Copenhagen